Intern in the Copernicus Space Office - European Space Agency (Frascati)

About this position

The summary below is published by European Space Agency on the official vacancy notice. Our own analysis — salary realism, comparable openings, career trajectory, language profile — follows further down the page.

Key responsibilities

According to the vacancy notice, the role centres on the following duties:

• Review latest EU legislation on environmental sustainability of space activities
• Assess implications on the Copernicus Space Component
• Propose next steps to achieve climate neutrality with short, medium and long term milestones
• Survey emerging security and resilience requirements and related EU communications and legislation
• Explore potential implications on the Copernicus Space Component
• Propose solutions to address security and resilience needs

Are you eligible?

Check these requirements from the notice before investing time in an application:

• Education: University student, preferably in final or second-to-last year of Master's level course
• Languages: English, French
• Key skills: Knowledge of EU policies, Familiarity with aerospace sector, Engineering knowledge
• Eligibility: Must be enrolled at university for the entire duration of the internship

Contract and working arrangements

Contract duration: Not specified.

Working arrangements: ESRIN, Frascati, Italy.

Hiring unit: Copernicus Space Office, Earth Observation Programmes Directorate.

Position details

Reference

1452875833

Last Verified

4 November 2026

Position overview

This is the official EU Careers listing for Intern in the Copernicus Space Office at ESA based in Frascati (Traineeship). The vacancy reference is 1452875833.

Job Requisition ID:21167

Date Posted:1 November 2026

Closing Date:30 November 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication Method:External Only

Directorate:Earth Observation Programmes

Location ESRIN, Frascati, Italy

Our team and mission

The Copernicus Space Office is responsible for programmatic activities, which are relevant to the Copernicus Space Component.

The tasks of the Office include, in particular:

- monitoring ESA's Copernicus Space Component activities and ensuring their coordination; - ensuring coordination with the ESA-EU matters Committee and with COM in the implementation of the Copernicus Space Component by interfacing with COM Copernicus related Units services; - coordinating the implementation of the EU-ESA Agreement on Copernicus and supporting negotiations for any amendments; - preparing and planning programmatic aspects of the Copernicus Space Component evolution; - preparing Copernicus Space Component programmatic documents and supporting Copernicus related negotiations with COM and other parties.

Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website:http://www.esa.int

Field(s) of activity for the internship

You can choose among the following topics:

1) Topic 1: Sustainability, climate neutrality, competitiveness and the future of the Copernicus Space Component

The released proposal for a Regulation on the safety, resilience and sustainability of space activities in the Union (EU Space Act) introduces several articles on environmental sustainability of space activities affecting Copernicus related activities. The intern will review the latest EU legislation and assess the potential implications on the Copernicus Space Component and its implementation of the ESA Green Agenda and propose the possible next steps needed to achieve climate neutrality including short, medium and long term milestones such as: introduction of sustainability requirements for all CSC related activities, optimisation of related organisational schemes, etc.

2) Topic 2: Security and resilience in Europe and the future of the Copernicus Space Component

Security and Resilience are among the priorities of the European Union. In particular, Article 1 of the proposed Regulation for the future European Competitiveness Fund clearly identifies a "Resilience and Security, Defence, Industry and Space" window. As an EU led programme, Copernicus is called to address these concerns. In order to properly assess the possible implications of these concerns, the intern will survey emerging security and resilience requirements and related EU communications and legislation and explore the potential implications on the Copernicus Space Component proposing possible solutions to best respond to these growing needs.

Behavioural competencies

Education

You must be a university student, preferably in your final or second-to-last year of university course at Master's level. In addition, you must be able to prove that you will be enrolled at your university for the entire duration of the internship.

Additional requirements

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another ESA Member State language is an asset.

During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored.

Knowledge and background in EU policies, familiarity with the aerospace sector and engineering is an asset.

Application timeline

This vacancy was first listed on 4 November 2026, 3 days ago.

The application deadline is 30 November 2026, 21 days from today. Late applications are not accepted, so submit through the official EU Careers portal well in advance.

Last verified against the EU Careers feed on 4 November 2026 (3 days ago).

Where to learn more

For headcount, mission, and other open vacancies at ESA see the ESA institution page; for the cost of living, correction coefficient, and other postings in Frascati see our Frascati location page.

New to EU careers? Our beginner's guide walks through entry routes, EPSO competitions, and what to prepare. For application logistics see application tips and EPSO competitions.